Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders related questions and content

A client falls to the floor in a generalized seizure with tonic-clonic movements. Which is the first action taken by the nurse?

  • A. Insert an airway or bite block.
  • B. Manually restrain the extremities.
  • C. Turn client to side-lying position.
  • D. Monitor vital signs.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a client begins to convulse, the highest priority is to maintain airway. This can best be accomplished by turning client to side-lying position, which allows saliva and emesis to drain from the mouth. Turning the client also allows the tongue to fall forward opening the airway. More damage can occur if a bite block is inserted after the seizure has begun. Manually restraining extremities is not recommended. Attempting to take blood pressure is not recommended and pulse rate and respirations during the event will not be beneficial. Monitor vital signs during the postictal phase.